re: What World War II films do you consider "essential" viewing?

I don't think it's boring, I think it possesses the wrong tone

Kubrick had it right, it's about 6 million people who are murdered not 600 who were not.

Life is beautiful, the guy sacrifices his life
Schindler's List, the guy sacrifices his fortune

A great movie to be sure, but not "essential" nor is it the definitive movie on the holocaust (there isn't one) yet it is treated as such